Finding the Funny: Comedy, Connection, and Mental Health
From Emotion Well by Johanna Dunlevy - Wellness Manager
January 5, 2026 · 32 min
About this episode
In this episode, Johanna Dunlevy interviews Mel Mackey about the intersection of comedy and mental health, exploring how humor fosters connection and resilience.
In this episode of Emotion Well, host Johanna Dunlevy sits down with fellow EFR employee—and 2025’s Funniest Person in Iowa —Mel Mackey. Mel shares how she got started with comedy and improv, what inspired her to take the stage, and how humor can be a powerful tool for connection and communication. Together, they explore how comedy can create an atmosphere of psychological safety and break down barriers. Mel also opens up about the challenges of being a woman in the comedy world and reflects on how writing and performing comedy has supported her own mental health and personal growth. This episode offers both laughs and insights into the role humor can play in resilience, well-being, and belonging. You can follow Mel on Instagram . She also recommends following Underground Comedy Des Moines and comedian Matthew Jacobsen . You can also find Damon Tucker at The Station in Des Moines, IA for weekly comedy. Donate to EFR . 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.
People in this episode
Host: Johanna Dunlevy
Guest: Mel Mackey
Topics covered
- comedy
- mental health
- connection
- psychological safety
- women in comedy
Keywords
- humor
- improv
- personal growth
- resilience
- belonging
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Underground Comedy Des Moines, Matthew Jacobsen, Damon Tucker
Books & works: Finding the Funny, Emotion Well
Places: Iowa, Des Moines, IA
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